Monaco. That one word evokes thoughts of glitz, glamor, and spectacle in the minds of Formula 1 fans and drivers alike. And that’s where F1 will be this weekend, racing on the shortest, tightest track of the season. Monaco also holds the distinction of having the fewest number or finishers relative to race starters as the close confines of the Monegasque circuit can catch out even the best drivers.
Normally a high point for Red Bull, their enthusiasm for a win has been blunted by Mercedes dominance over the first 5 Grands Prix, particularly on tight, twisty sectors which make up the entirety of the Monaco circuit. Couple that with work they’re still doing to enhance the aerodynamics of the chassis and a pole converted to a win seems unlikely. They should, however, capitalize on Ferrari’s missteps and put a car on the podium with relative ease. For Toro Rosso things will be a bit tougher as they’ve been stronger with race pace than qualifying and qualifying usually means everything in Monaco.
Elsewhere on the grid, there can be no question that Mercedes is the favorite to win and possibly deliver another 1-2 finish. Ferrari will be trying to come back from many missteps over the opening Grands Prix but aren’t likely to put a driver on the podium here. Haas returns to being a best-of-the-rest candidate after a strong return-to-form in Spain. Look for a Renault to be trailing Haas with an Alfa Romeo hot on their tail. Expect a Racing Point and a McLaren to be battling as this circuit probably doesn’t suit the strengths of either of their cars. Williams will occupy their normal spot at the back of the grid. And despite these predictions, one thing is for sure: anything can happen at Monaco.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Thursday, May 23, 4:55 AM – ESPN2
Practice 2 – Thursday, May 23, 8:55 AM – ESPN2
Practice 3 – Saturday, May 25, 5:55 AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, May 25, 8:55 AM – ESPN2
Pit Lane Live – Sunday, May 26, 7:30 AM – ESPN3
On The Grid – Sunday, May 26, 8:30 AM –
ESPN
Race – Sunday, May 26, 9:05 AM –
ESPN
Race (Encore) – Sunday, May 26, 3:30 PM –
ABC
Race (re-air) – Sunday, May 26, 6:00 PM –
ESPNEWS
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 3.34km (2.075 miles)
Race laps: 78
Race distance: 260.52km (161.88 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’14.260 by Daniel Ricciardo, 2018
Maximum speed: 283kph (175.848 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 210m
Car performance
Full throttle: 30%
Longest flat-out section: 669m
Downforce level: Maximum
Fuel use per lap: 1.2kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.024s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 24.316s by Red Bull (see full list)
2019 tyres: Hard (C3), Medium (C4), Soft (C5) – (2018: supersoft, ultrasoft, hypersoft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2018 RESULTS
Laps: 78
Pole: Daniel Ricciardo, 1:10.810
Fast race lap: Max Verstappen, 1:14.260
Podium
1. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
3. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 112
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 105
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 66
4. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 64
5. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 57
6. Pierre Gasly, Red Bull, 21
7. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 14
8. Sergio Perez, Racing Point, 13
9. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo Racing, 13
10. Lando Norris, McLaren, 12
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 217
2. Ferrari, 121
3. Red Bull, 87
4. McLaren, 22
5. Racing Point, 17
6. Haas, 15
7. Alfa Romeo Racing, 13
8. Renault, 12
9. Toro Rosso, 6
10. Williams, 0
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